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Existing Customers

FAQs & Support

Text Messaging

What is Text Messaging? With Text Messaging from AT&T and your wireless phone, you can send and receive short text messages, emails, and chat, as well as keep up-to-date with the latest news, weather, stock quotes, and sports information. AT&T Text Messaging includes:

Mobile-to-Mobile Text Messaging

Instant Messaging/Mobile Instant Messaging

IM Forwarding

PC to Mobile Instant Messaging

PC to Mobile Text Messaging

email Messaging

Information Alerts

Group Messaging

Is my phone ready for Text Messaging? Most AT&T wireless phones support Text Messaging. To determine whether you can text message with your phone, go to our Phone/Device Learning Center/Tutorials, select the manufacturer and model of your device, and then look for tutorials on Text Messaging-SMS. If Text Messaging is one of the topics listed, your phone is text messaging capable.

Picture & Video Messaging

What is Picture & Video Messaging? With a Picture/Video Messaging capable handset, you can send a mixture of pictures, animation, video, and voice messages to another phone or email address. You can even personalize the message with text or a voice recording. All are included in the Pay-Per-Use or Messaging plans.

Do I need Picture & Video Messaging to make my camera or video phone work? Picture & Video Messaging is the service that lets you share your pictures and video messages with other wireless phones or email addresses. Without Picture & Video Messaging, you will only be able to take pictures and video and store them on your phone.

Instant Messaging

How do I send an Instant Message from my phone? For step-by-step instructions on sending Instant Messages from your phone, go to our Phone/Device Learning Center/Tutorials, select the manufacturer and model of your device, then review the Ways to Instant Message tutorial under Instant Messaging.

What is Yahoo! Messenger? Yahoo! Messenger (abbreviated YIM) is a free instant messaging service that allows users to chat with other members in real-time. Users can download Yahoo! Messenger for instant messaging on multiple devices, including a computer and wireless mobile device.

Support

How long can text messages be? A text message can be up to 160 characters in length. Messages sent or received that are longer than 160 characters will be delivered in multiple segments. Each segment will be billed as a separate message.

If I have my device turned off or I'm on a call, will I still receive my text messages and alerts? Text messages are stored and retried until delivery is successful for up to 72 hours. Text Alerts are stored and retried up to 24 hours. If you're on a call, text messages can still be received.